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Dear Friend,
Welcome back to Let Me Be Blunt. As the government shutdown enters its fourth week, we are introducing something new: a section called Neighbors Helping Neighbors.
It’s often said that Delaware is a state of neighbors, and I’m constantly inspired by members of our community who show up for each other in difficult times. So, I’m shining a spotlight on you – uplifting the good work you’re doing and encouraging you to find ways to lend a hand. Keep reading to see who's being highlighted in our first edition of Neighbors Helping Neighbors, but we need your help for next week.
Do you have a story you’d like to share about an individual or organization providing hope, resources, or acts of service during this challenging time? Is there a person or organization that’s been going the extra mile for our fellow Delawareans? Please CLICK HERE to share it with us.
There couldn’t have been a clearer example of Delawareans being there for their fellow Delawareans than what I saw last weekend.
On Saturday, I attended the No Kings rally in Rehoboth Beach. I was blown away. Delawareans of all ages came together with signs, chants, and passion to show their love of this country and stand up to this administration. They joined millions of Americans across our nation, and I’m taking their energy back with me to Washington, D.C. CLICK HERE to watch me talk about the rally on MSNBC.
This moment feels heavy – because this moment is heavy. But as I’ve always said, hope shines brightest in the dark. And it’s up to each of us to let it shine.
Critical Food Assistance
As a result of the government shutdown, the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services announced that Delawareans will not receive their SNAP benefits in November. This is also happening in states across the nation.
I know how important this assistance is to the more than 100,000 Delawareans who receive it. I'm actively having conversations with Governor Meyer and our federal delegation to ensure Delawareans in need remain fed during this incredibly difficult time.
Here are some critical resources if you are being impacted:
An Avoidable Disaster Waiting to Happen
In just a week, on November 1st, open enrollment begins on the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace, otherwise known as Healthcare.gov. Millions of Americans will see their health care premiums skyrocket. I’ve been in talks with Democrats and Republicans in the Senate, as well as Democratic members of the House, to do two things: open the government and restore the healthcare taken in the "Big, Beautiful Bill."
Republicans in Congress are poised to let enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits expire. If that happens, 16,000 Delawareans could lose those tax credits, and thousands could lose their coverage entirely.
I recently joined Congresswoman Sarah McBride to creatively call attention to our current situation. From the Senate, to the House of Representatives, to the White House, we all need to be at the negotiating table!
CLICK HERE to watch my conversation with Congresswoman McBride.
In Defense of American Democracy
Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley held the Senate floor for almost 23 straight hours this week to protest the grave actions of the Trump administration that threaten American democracy. I was proud to join him Wednesday afternoon to speak on behalf of all the Delawareans concerned by what they see coming from the White House. CLICK HERE to watch my entire speech.
The power of the people matters, and your voices hold weight. We hear you, and we will continue working and fighting on your behalf.
For our first edition of Neighbors Helping Neighbors, we are highlighting Delaware State University.
This week, DSU announced it will temporarily defer payments for students and families who are being directly impacted by the government shutdown.
It shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone in the First State that DSU is once again stepping up when it matters most. Their decision to support students impacted by the shutdown proves that Delaware truly is a state of neighbors, where we look out for one another.
Now and always, Hornets Rising!
Do you have a story or resource you’d like to share? Is there a person or organization that’s been going the extra mile for our fellow Delawareans? Please CLICK THIS LINK to tell us who we should honor next week in Neighbors Helping Neighbors.
I've been asking how the government shutdown is impacting you. So many Delawareans have responded to tell me that the shutdown is putting critical resources in jeopardy, all while health care premiums are about to double.
Today, I’m sharing what I heard from Matrina in Newark. She’s a single mother of two and works as an educator. Due to the rising cost of food and rent, Matrina is considering getting a second job just to make ends meet. She and her children are facing eviction this winter, and the programs that she might have been able to turn to are now facing funding cuts.
“I have to choose between buying food for my children and keeping a roof over their heads and both are becoming impossible,” Matrina said. “Us Delawareans have [our] backs against the wall in every aspect and are barely surviving – we need help.”
Despite the President's promise to lower costs on Day One, people are feeling the pain even more acutely 10 months later. Matrina, thank you for sharing your story. You represent so many Delawareans whose stories I carry with me to Washington, and who our office advocates for in Delaware.
How have this shutdown and the high cost of living impacted you? Please CLICK HERE to share your story.
Please note that your stories may be used on the Senate floor, on social media, or with the press.
As a result of the shutdown, many federal agencies will be closed or have reduced operations. While my Delaware and Washington, D.C. offices may have limited capacity, we will do everything we can to serve you.
CLICK HERE for shutdown-related information. My team will continue to update this page as the situation develops.
Governor Matt Meyer has created THIS LIST of state-based resources for federal workers and families affected by the shutdown.
Please find responses to some frequently asked questions below:
What is a government shutdown?
A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass annual appropriations legislation or a Continuing Resolution (CR) before the beginning of a fiscal year on October 1st. The temporary gap in funding means federal agencies and employees are unable to carry out their usual duties or must do so on an unpaid basis for as long as the shutdown persists. As a result, many federal programs and services experience interruptions and delays during a government shutdown.
Will Senator Blunt Rochester’s offices be open?
My offices in Wilmington, Dover, Georgetown, and Washington, D.C. will remain open. Staff will not be able to arrange Capitol tours or fulfill flag requests. You may still submit new casework requests on our website, but please note that our team will have a reduced ability to assist you, as many federal agencies will be closed during the shutdown.
CLICK HERE to submit a request to our casework team.
- You can reach our Wilmington office at (302) 573-6291.
- You can reach our Dover office at (302) 674-3308.
- You can reach our Georgetown office at (302) 856-7690.
- You can reach our Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-2441.
How will this affect me?
- [UPDATE] Starting in November, Delawareans will not receive SNAP benefits. However, you can still apply for benefits, report changes, and complete periodic reports.
- Beware of scams: If you receive a call or text asking for your EBT card number and PIN, do not respond. Neither the Delaware Health and Social Services nor EBT Customer Service will ever contact you for this information.
- [UPDATE] The State of Delaware is expected to be able to fund WIC through the end of the year, so no disruption of benefits is expected at this time.
- Social Security and SSI payments will continue. However, new claims may not be processed, and questions may not be answered during the shutdown.
- Medicare benefits will continue uninterrupted. However, new Medicare cards will not be issued, and new beneficiaries may not be accepted into the program until the shutdown ends. If you’ve been receiving telehealth-based care through Medicare, your appointments may be rescheduled or moved to in-person.
- The United States Postal Service (USPS) will continue to be fully operational.
- You should prepare for delays at the airport. TSA, CBP, and air traffic controllers will be working without pay and/or with reduced staff for the duration of the shutdown.
- Military and federal law enforcement will also be working without pay during the shutdown.
- VA medical facilities will remain open, several Veterans Benefits Administration programs will continue, and burials will take place at VA national cemeteries during the shutdown. However, VA benefits regional offices will be closed.
- National parks and federal museums may close and will have reduced services. Please check the website of the facility you are looking to visit for specific guidance.
- Federal Student Aid (FSA) programs, such as the Pell Grant and the Direct Loan program, will not be impacted. Student loan payments will continue to be processed during the shutdown.
- The Small Business Administration (SBA) will not accept, review, or approve any new business loans for the duration of the shutdown.
- Regional Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offices will close. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will remain operational until further notice, but with reduced capacity. This may affect your ability to obtain or refinance a mortgage through the FHA.
- USDA’s Farm Service Agency will not implement or process several programs critical to farmers, including disaster assistance program payments related to extreme weather and direct loans.
- The 988 National Suicide Prevention Helpline is unaffected by the shutdown. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for 24/7, free, and confidential support.
If you are experiencing any disruptions, please do not hesitate to contact my office for assistance.
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